Semi-automatically adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft

ABSTRACT

An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member and a lower shaft member. The upper shaft member has an elongated bore therein and the lower shaft member has a cylinder and a rod having one end fixed to a proximal end of the cylinder. A fixed bushing is positioned within the elongated bore of the upper shaft member and has an elongated bore extending therethrough. The rod is slidably mounted through the elongated bore of the bushing. The frictional force between the rod and the bushing prevents the rod from sliding relative to the bushing when the user of the golf swings the golf shaft. The shaft also includes a threaded screw, where the bushing includes a female thread to accommodate the threaded screw.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of a pending U.S.Non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/118,361, filed May 27, 2011,entitled “Semi-automatically adjustable length and torque resistant golfshaft,” which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/450,223, filed on Mar. 8, 2011, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/785,429, which was issued as U.S. Pat.No. 7,976,402, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/617,876, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/491,050, which was issued as U.S. Pat.No. 7,874,932 and is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/499,511, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,563,173 and claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/818,219, filed Jun. 30,2006, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an adjustable golf shaft and more particularlyto a semi-automatically adjustable length and torque resistant golfshaft for a golf putter.

BACKGROUND

The sport of golf is an increasingly popular sport. Much of the tension,and excitement, of any round of golf, surrounds the act of putting,which ordinarily determines the ultimate winner of any round of golf. Asa result of its obvious importance to successfully playing the game ofgolf, the art, or skill, of putting has been the subject of largenumbers of instruction manuals, books, magazine articles, and UnitedStates patents. A casual observation of professional and amateurgolfers, in the acts of putting shows that putting style, includingputter grip, player's stance, putter club style, ball position, can bedifferent for each golfer.

In addition, it can be appreciated that physically, every golfer variesgreatly in height, weight, and body structure, such that the distanceand angle between the ground and the golfer's hands when putting canalso vary greatly. Generally speaking, the act of putting does notrequire unusual strength, or extremely high velocity club swinging, asin the case of driving or iron play. Putting is, rather, an act offinesse and, hopefully, an act as free of physical stress and mentalswing correction signals as possible.

Golf clubs available for purchase at most sports stores are readilyavailable in varying degrees of shaft flex and club head shape. Thelength of the woods and irons of a set of golf clubs are usuallyapproximately standard throughout the golf manufacturing industry,although such clubs may be special ordered with non-standard lengths.Most golfers, however, acquire a standard length set of clubs and modifytheir stance, grip, and other swing characteristics to optimize theirswing action relative to those clubs.

The design of putters is typically viewed as a pursuit of anaesthetically pleasing club that promotes a golfer's confidence in hisor her stroke. As such, many putters have been designed irrespective ofthe mechanics inherent in the putting swing. Furthermore, many putterslack a design that accounts for an individual golfer's characteristicsand characteristic playing style (i.e., stance, grip, etc.).

In the case of putters, conventional practice is to provide puttershaving an overall length of generally about 35″, and a conventional lieangle between the shaft and the bottom surface of the putter ofapproximating 70 degrees. Rarely are putters shortened or lengthened,and typically, the beginner, or intermediate, golfer will adapt hisputter swing to the length of the club rather than having a putterpersonally fitted to him, or her, without any reference to the standardlength or lie.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a putter with an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft, which can easily adjust tovarious heights and has the appearance of a conventional shaft whoseconfiguration is fixed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, an adjustable golf shaft includes anupper shaft member having an elongated bore therein and a lower shaftmember having a cylinder and a rod having one end fixed to a proximalend of the cylinder. A fixed bushing is positioned within the elongatedbore of the upper shaft member and has an elongated bore extendingtherethrough. The rod is slidably mounted through the elongated bore ofthe bushing. The frictional force between the rod and the bushingprevents the rod from sliding relative to the bushing when the user ofthe golf swings the golf shaft. The shaft also includes a threadedscrew, where the bushing includes a female thread to accommodate thethreaded screw.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft of FIG. 1 in an extended position.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft of FIG. 1 in a compressed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper shaft member of an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower shaft member of an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner rod with a plurality ofbushings for an adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a middle bushing.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the middlebushing.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper bushing.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower shaft member and the innerrod.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inner rod.

FIGS. 11A-11D are cross sectional views of a series of lower bushingsadapted to receive an inner rod having various cross sectionalconfigurations.

FIGS. 12A-12D are cross sectional views of a series of upper bushingsadapted to receive an inner rod having various cross sectionalconfigurations.

FIGS. 13A-13D are cross sectional views of a series of an inner rodhaving various cross sectional configurations.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the lower end of lower shaft memberof the adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the inner rod of the lower shaft memberof the adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the inner bore member within the uppershaft member of the adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft ofFIG. 14.

FIGS. 18A-18E are cross sectional views of a series of the upper portionof the inner rod member and the inner bore within the upper shaft memberhaving various cross sectional configurations.

FIG. 19A is a cross sectional view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 19B and 19C are cross sectional views of the adjustable length andtorque resistant golf shaft in FIG. 19A, taken along the directions 19Band 19C, respectively.

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of the bushing of the golf shaft in FIG.19A.

FIG. 20A is a cross sectional view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIG. 20B is an enlarged view of the additional holding mechanism of thegolf shaft in FIG. 20A.

FIG. 20C is a front view of a snap ring used in the additional holdingmechanism in FIG. 20A.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective and front views of an additionalholding mechanism that might be used in the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shafts and in FIGS. 19A and 20A.

FIG. 21C is a front view of the additional holding mechanism in FIG.21A, where the tip portion is flared to fit within the inner surface ofthe golf shaft in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 21D is an enlarged view of the additional holding mechanism in FIG.21C mounted in the shaft in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the additional holding mechanism in FIG.21C mounted in the shaft in FIG. 20A.

FIG. 23A is a cross sectional view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 23B and 23C are cross sectional views of the adjustable length andtorque resistant golf shaft in FIG. 23A, taken along the directions 23Band 23C, respectively.

FIG. 23D is a perspective view of the bushing of the golf shaft in FIG.23A.

FIG. 23E is a perspective view of the inner rod of the golf shaft inFIG. 23A.

FIG. 24A is a cross sectional view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIG. 24B is an enlarged view of an additional holding mechanism of thegolf shaft in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of a portion of an adjustable lengthand torque resistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIG. 26A is a cross sectional view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.

FIG. 26B is a cross sectional views of the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft in FIG. 26A, taken along the direction 26B.

FIG. 26C is a perspective view of the bushing of the golf shaft in FIG.26A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a putter 10 having an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft 20 according to one embodiment.As shown in FIG. 1, the putter 10 includes an adjustable shaft 20, whichis comprised of an upper shaft member 40 (or outer shaft member), alower shaft member 60 (or inner shaft member) and an inner rod 80. Theshaft 20 includes an upper bushing 100 fixed within the upper shaftmember 40, a middle bushing 110 fixed within the lower shaft member 60and a lower bushing 120 fixed to the inner rod 80. The putter 10 alsoincludes a grip 12 and a putter head 14. The grip 12 is configured tofit over an upper end of the upper shaft member 40 and extends downwardapproximately 8 to 14 inches. The inner rod 80 is configured to fitwithin the upper and lower shaft members 40, 60.

As shown in FIG. 1, the putter 10 preferably has an overall length 130of between about 27 and 37 inches. The overall length 130 of the putter10 when fully extended is approximately 37 inches. Meanwhile, theoverall length 132 of the putter in a compressed or compact position ispreferably approximately 27 inches. Although, the preferable overalllength 130 of the putter 10 is between 27 and 37 inches, it can beappreciated that the overall length 130 of the putter can range from 10to 72 inches and is more preferably between 20 and 44 inches, and mostpreferably between 27 and 37 inches. The overall length 130 of theputter 10 varies by a differential length 134, 136 of preferably about10 inches. As shown, the overall length 130 of the putter 10 includesthe adjustable shaft 20 and a putter head 14. Typically, putter heads 14have an overall height 138 of approximately 3 inches, which includes theputter head or ball striking portion 16 and a shaft 18. The shaft 18extends from the putter head or ball striking portion 16 to theadjustable shaft 20. It can be appreciated that the overall length 130of the putter 10 can vary and that any reference to specificmeasurements is for one embodiment of the present invention consistingof a putter 10 having an overall length of between 27 and 37 inches.However, it can be appreciated that the various dimensions, length,diameters and other specific references to any specific measurement canbe changed without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft 20 of FIG. 1 in a fully extended position. As shownin FIG. 2, the shaft 20 in the fully extended position has an overalllength 130 in accordance with one embodiment of approximately 37 inches,which includes the putter head 14. The putter head 14 will typicallyhave an overall length 138 of approximately 3 inches. Furthermore, theadjustable shaft 20 has an overall length 132 of between 24 and 34inches from the fully compressed or compacted position to the fullyextended position.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft 20 of FIG. 1 in a fully compressed or compactedposition. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 20 compresses to an overalllength 132 of approximately 24 inches in a preferred embodiment, and anoverall length 130 of 27 inches including the putter head 14. Thedifference 134 between the extended position and the compressed orcompact position is typically approximately 10 inches; however, it canbe appreciated that the difference 134 can be more or less than 10inches. As shown in FIG. 3, as the adjustable shaft 20 is compressedand/or extended, the distance 140 between the upper bushing 100 and themiddle bushing 110 changes. For example, as the shaft 20 extends, thedistance 140 between the upper bushing 100 and the middle bushing 110increases. Alternatively, as the shaft 20 is compressed, the distance140 between the upper bushing 100 and the middle bushing 110 decreases.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper shaft member 40 of anadjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft 20. As shown in FIG.4, the upper shaft member 40 is comprised of an essentially elongatedcylindrical bore 42 having an upper end (or first end) 44 and a lowerend (or second end) 46. The upper shaft member 40 has an overall length48 of approximately 24 inches for a putter 10 having an overall length130 of between 27 and 37 inches. The upper end 44 of the upper shaftmember 40 preferably has an inner diameter 50 and an outer diameter 52of approximately 0.550 and 0.580 inches, respectively. The lower end 46of the upper shaft member 40 preferably has an inner diameter 54 and anouter diameter 56 of approximately 0.370 and 0.400 inches.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower shaft member 60 of an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the lowershaft member 60 is comprised of an essentially elongated cylindricalbore 62 having an upper end (or first end) 64 and a lower end (or secondend) 66. The lower shaft member 60 can also include a stepped outersurface 78. The lower shaft member 60 includes a generally cylindricallower portion 61, which extends for a distance 63 of approximately 12.5inches, and an upper portion 65, which extends for a distance 67 ofapproximately 9 inches. The upper portion 65 has an outer diameter,which can increase in diameter in a series of annular steps. Each of theannular steps is preferably between 1 to 3 inches, and more preferablybetween 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Alternatively, it can be appreciated thatthe upper portion 65 can be configured without the stepped outer surface78.

On the upper end 64 of the lower shaft member 60, the end 64 is flaredand includes a plurality of flared members 69. The flared members 69extend a distance 71 of approximately 0.5 inches. The lower shaft member60 has an overall length 68 of approximately 22 inches for a putter 10having an overall length 130 of between 27 and 37 inches. The upper end64 of the lower shaft member 60 preferably has an inner diameter 70 andan outer diameter 72 of approximately 0.420 and 0.560 inches,respectively. The lower end 66 of the lower shaft member 60 preferablyhas an inner diameter 74 and an outer diameter 76 of approximately 0.320and 0.365 inches. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper end 64 of thelower shaft member 60 fits within the lower end 46 of the upper shaftmember 40. As the shaft 20 extends in length, the lower shaft member 60telescopes outward from the upper shaft member 40.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner rod 80 with a lower bushing 120for an adjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft 20. As shown inFIG. 6, the inner rod 80 is comprised of a generally rectangular orsquare rod 82 having an upper end or first end 84 and a lower end orsecond end 86. On the lower end 86 of the rod 82, a lower bushing 120 isfixed thereto. The lower bushing 120 is generally cylindrical in shapeand has an outer diameter 88 of approximately 0.240 inches and anoverall length 90 of approximately 1.0 inches. The rod 82 can have anysuitable cross sectional configuration and preferably has a thickness 92of approximately 0.125 inches for a rectangular or square rod. The rod82 preferably has an overall length 94 of approximately 16 to 24 inches,and more preferably an overall length 94 of 18 to 22 inches, and mostpreferably an overall length 94 of 22 inches. The rod 82 is preferablyfixed to the upper and lower bushings 100, 120 and is allowed to slideupwards and downwards within an opening or bore 112 extending through acenter portion the middle bushing 110.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the middle bushing 110. As shown inFIG. 7, the middle bushing 110 is generally cylindrical in shape andincludes an opening or bore 112 extending from a first end 114 to asecond end 116. The first end 114 of the middle bushing has an outerdiameter 118 of approximately 0.410 inches and an outer diameter 121 atthe second end 116 of approximately 0.440 inches. The middle bushing 110has an overall length 123 of approximately 1.0 inches. The opening orbore 112 preferably has a cross section configuration or diameter 125,which is essentially similar to that of the rod 82 of the inner rod 80.For example, for a square rod 82 having an outer diameter of 0.125inches, the diameter 125 of the opening or bore 112, will preferably beapproximately 0.125 inches or slightly larger to allow the rod to slidewithin the opening or bore 112 as the shaft 20 is extended orcompressed.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a middlebushing 110. The middle bushing 110 is generally cylindrical in shapeand includes an opening or bore 112 extending from a first end 114 to asecond end 116. The second end 116 of the bushing 110 as shown in FIG.7B preferably includes a plurality of flared members 69. In addition,the opening or bore 112 preferably has a cross section configuration ordiameter 125, which is essentially similar to that of the rod 82 of theinner rod 80.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper bushing 100. As shown in FIG.8, the upper busing 100 is generally cylindrical in shape and includesan opening or bore 102 extending from a first end 101 to a second end103. The first end 101 of the upper bushing 100 has an outer diameter104 of approximately 0.540 inches and an outer diameter 106 at thesecond end 103 of approximately 0.540 inches. The upper bushing 100 hasoverall length 108 of approximately 1.0 inches. As shown in FIG. 1, theupper bushing 100 is preferably fixed in the vicinity of the upper endof 44 of the upper shaft member 40.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower shaft member 60 and the innerrod 80. As shown in FIG. 9, the middle bushing 110 is fixed within aninner diameter 72 of the lower shaft member 60 near the upper end 64with a suitable adhesive. The middle bushing 110 is fixed to the innerdiameter 72, such that the rod 82 of the inner rod 80 can move freely inan up and down motion during expansion or compression of the shaft 20.In addition, it can be appreciated that as a result of the configurationof the opening or bore 112, the inner rod 80 does not rotate within themiddle bushing 110. It can be appreciated that as a result of thelocking configuration of the opening or bore 112 and the cross sectionalconfiguration of the rod 82, the shaft 20 includes an anti-torquing ortorque resistant feature. Furthermore, the inability of the rod 80 torotate in connection with the inability of the upper and lower shaftmembers 40, 60 to rotate within the opening or bore 112 of the middlebushing 110, the shaft is torque resistant.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rod 82 portion of the inner rod 80.As shown in FIG. 10, the inner rod 80 includes a rod 82 having anoverall length 94 of approximately 18 inches with a generallyrectangular or square cross section 92.

FIGS. 11A-11D are cross sectional views of a series of middle bushings110 adapted to receive an inner rod 82 having various cross sections. Asshown in FIGS. 11A-11D, it can be appreciated that the opening or borewithin the middle bushing 110 can have any suitable configuration tomatch that of the rod 82 including square (FIG. 11A), rectangular (FIG.11B), triangular (FIG. 11C) or star (FIG. 11D).

FIGS. 12A-12D are cross sectional views of a series of upper bushings100 adapted to receive an inner rod 82 having various cross sections. Asshown in FIGS. 12A-12D, it can be appreciated that the opening or bore102 within the upper bushing 100 can have any suitable configuration tomatch that of the rod 82 including square (FIG. 12A), rectangular (FIG.12B), triangular (FIG. 12C) or star (FIG. 12D).

FIGS. 13A-13D are cross sectional views of a series of an inner rod 80having various cross sectional configurations. As shown in FIGS.13A-13D, it can be appreciated that the rod 82 can have any suitablecross sectional configuration to match that of the rod opening or borewithin the upper and middle bushings 100, 110 including square (FIG.13A), rectangular (FIG. 13B), triangular (FIG. 13C) or star (FIG. 13D).

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shaft 200 according to another embodiment. As shown inFIG. 14, the adjustable golf shaft 200 includes a lower shaft member 210(or inner shaft member) and an upper or outer shaft member 240 (or outershaft member). The lower shaft member 210 is comprised of an elongatedcylindrical bore 212 with an inner rod member 220 attachable thereto.The upper shaft member 240 is comprised of an elongated outercylindrical bore 262, which houses or contains an elongated cylindricalmember 260 having an inner bore 250. The inner bore 250 is dimensionedto receive the inner rod member 220. The inner rod member 220 and theinner bore 250 are dimensioned to prevent the inner rod member 220 fromrotating within the inner bore 250 forming a torque resistant golf shaft200.

As shown in FIG. 14, the lower shaft member 210 is comprised of anessentially elongated cylindrical bore 212 having an upper end (or firstend) 214 and a lower end (or second end) 216. The upper end or first end214 of the cylindrical bore 212 is configured to receive the inner rodmember 220. The inner rod member 220 includes a lower portion 232 and anupper portion 234. The upper portion 234 is configured or dimensioned tofit within the inner bore 250 of the upper shaft member 240. The lowerportion 232 is configured or dimensioned to be received within the firstend or upper end 214 of the elongated cylindrical bore 212. Overall, theinner shaft member 210 preferably extends for a distance 280 ofapproximately 15 to 30 inches and more preferably approximately 20 to 25inches and most preferably approximately 22.50 inches with the uppershaft member 240 preferably extending for a distance of 290 ofapproximately 15 to 30 inches and more preferably approximately 20 to 25inches and most preferably approximately 23.25 inches.

It can be appreciated that the lower shaft member 210 can also include astepped or angled outer surface 216, wherein elongated cylindrical bore212 preferably having a greater diameter at the upper or first end 214as compared to the lower or second end 216. As shown in FIG. 14, thelower shaft member 210 includes a generally cylindrical lower portion211, which extends for a distance 213 of approximately 19.0 inches, andan upper portion 215 of the lower shaft member 210, which extends for adistance of 284 of approximately 3.5 inches. The upper portion 215 ofthe lower shaft member 210 typically coincides with the upper portion234 of the inner rod 220. However, it can be appreciated that the upperportion 234 of the inner rod member 220 can be configured to fit withinthe lower portion 211 of the elongated cylindrical bore 212. Theelongated cylindrical bore 212 also includes a lower end or putter headend 222 dimensioned to receive a putter head shaft (not shown). As shownin FIG. 14, the inner rod member 220 includes a lower portion 232dimensioned to be received within the upper end 214 of the lower boremember 212, and an upper portion 234 dimension to be received within aninner bore 250 of the inner bore member 260 of the upper shaft member240.

The upper shaft member 240 is comprised of an elongated outercylindrical bore 262, which houses an elongated cylindrical member 260having an inner bore 250. The inner bore 250 is dimensioned to receivethe inner rod member 220. As assembled, the inner rod member 220 and theinner bore 250 are dimensioned to prevent the inner rod member 220 fromrotating within the inner bore 250 forming a torque resistant golf shaft200. The upper shaft member 240 includes a lower end 252, which isconfigured to receive the inner rod member 220 of the lower shaft member210 and an upper end 254. The upper end 254 preferably includes ahandgrip (not shown), which circumscribes the upper most portion of theadjustable golf shaft 200. As shown in FIG. 14, the elongated outercylindrical bore 262 extends from the lower end 252 to the upper end 254for a distance 290 of approximately 15 to 30 inches and more preferablyapproximately 17.5 to 25 inches and most preferably about 23.25 inches.The elongated cylindrical member 260 is housed within the upper portionof the upper shaft 240. The elongated cylindrical member 260 preferablyhas a length 292 of approximately 10 to 18 inches and more preferably alength 292 of approximately 14.0 inches.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the lower end 216 of the lowershaft member 210 of the adjustable length and torque resistant golfshaft 200 of FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower end 216 of thelower shaft member 210 includes an opening or bore 226, which isdimensioned to receive a putter head shaft 18 (FIG. 1) of a putter head14. It can be appreciated that the putter head 14 typically includes theputter head shaft 18 and a ball striking member 16.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the inner rod member 220 of the lowershaft member 210 of the adjustable length and torque resistant golfshaft 200 of FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 16, the inner rod member 220includes a lower portion 232 and an upper portion 234. The lower portion232 is preferably a cylindrical member 233 or other suitable shapehaving a cross sectional shape, which is configured to be fixed withinan upper end 214 of the lower portion 211 of the lower shaft member 210.The upper portion 234 of the inner rod member 220 is dimensioned to bereceived within the inner bore 250 of the inner bore member 260 of theupper shaft member 240. The upper portion 234 and the inner bore 250preferably having complimentary cross sectional configurations, whereinthe upper portion 234 of the inner rod member 220 is configured to fitwithin the inner bore 250 in such a manner that the lower shaft member210 does not rotate within the upper shaft member 240. The upper portion234 of the inner rod member 220 also preferably includes a spring member236 preferably having a ball mounted member 238 attached thereto,wherein the spring member 236 is configured to fit within the inner bore250 of the upper shaft member 240. It can be appreciated that the springmember 236 can be replaced with any suitable device or system, whichsecures the inner rod member 220 within the inner bore 250 of the uppershaft member 240.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the inner bore member 260 within theupper shaft member 240 of the adjustable length and torque resistantgolf shaft 200 of FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 17, the elongatedcylindrical member 260 includes an inner bore 250, which is dimensionedto receive the upper portion 234 of the inner rod member 220 (FIG. 16).The elongated cylindrical member 260 is preferably positioned within anupper portion of the upper shaft member 240. The inner bore 250 can alsoinclude a series of ridges 270 having an upper portion 272 and a lowerportion 274, which configured to receive the spring member 236 of theinner rod member 220. The series of ridges 270 allows the lower shaftmember 210 and the inner rod member 220 to fit within the upper shaftmember 240 and the inner bore 250, respectively, such that the lowershaft member 210 slides within the upper shaft member 240 duringextension and compression of the shaft 200. The elongated cylindricalmember 260 has a first end 262 and a second end 264, wherein a distance292 from the first end 262 to the second end 264 is preferablyapproximately 14.0 inches long.

FIGS. 18A-18E are cross sectional views of a series of the inner rodmember 220 of the lower shaft member 210 and the inner bore 250 withinthe upper shaft member 240. As shown in FIGS. 18A-18E, the inner bore250 is configured to receive the upper portion 234 of the inner rodmember 220 having various cross sectional configurations.

FIG. 18A shows a perspective view of the adjustable shaft member 200,including the lower shaft member 210 and the inner rod member 220, andthe upper shaft member 240 and the elongated cylindrical member 260 andthe inner bore 250. As shown in FIG. 18A, the inner rod member 220 andthe inner bore 250 are complementary, such that the inner rod member 220and the lower shaft member 210 do not rotate during use. In addition,the inner rod member 220 includes a spring member 236, which providestension between inner rod member 220 and the inner bore 250 to preventthe lower shaft member 210 from sliding within the upper shaft member240 during use.

FIGS. 18B-18E are a series of perspective views of the inner rod member220 and the inner bore 250 having various cross-sectionalconfigurations. As shown in FIGS. 18B-18E, any suitable cross-sectionalconfiguration can be used including a hexagon-like cross section (FIG.18B), triangular (FIG. 18C), rectangular or square (FIG. 18D), orcross-like (FIG. 18E).

FIG. 19A is a cross sectional view of a putter 300 having an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft 320 according to yet anotherembodiment. FIGS. 19B and 19C are cross sectional views of theadjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft 320 in FIG. 19A, takenalong the directions 19B and 19C, respectively. As shown in FIGS.19A-19C, the putter 300 includes an adjustable shaft 320, which iscomprised of an upper shaft member 340 (or outer shaft member), a lowershaft member 360 (or inner shaft member), and a bushing 365. The bushing365 is secured to the inner surface of the upper shaft member 340 by asuitable fixing member 367 (preferably, glue). The grip 341 isconfigured to fit over an upper end of the upper shaft member 340 andextends downward approximately 8 to 14 inches. The lower shat member 360includes a hollow cylinder 500 and a rod 361 that is fixed to one end ofthe hollow cylinder 500 by a suitable fixing member 363 (preferably,glue). A putter head 314 including a striking portion 316 and a shaft318 is attached to the other end of the hollow cylinder 500.

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of the bushing 365 of the putter 300 inFIG. 19A. The bushing 365 is generally cylindrical in shape and has anopening or bore 502 extending from one end to the other end of thebushing, where the rod 361 snuggly fits into the opening or bore 502.The cross section of the rod 361 is dimensioned to allow the rod 361 toslide through the bore 502 when the player of the putter 300 adjusts theoverall length of the putter 300 by pulling or pushing the upper shaftmember 340 relative to the lower shaft member 360, i.e., the lower shaftmember 360 telescopes inward or outward from the upper shaft member 340.Also, the cross section of the rod 361 is dimensioned to hold the rod361 in place relative to the bushing 365 by the frictional force betweenthe rod 361 and the bushing 365 when the user plays the golf with theputter 300.

The rod 361 may be formed of suitable material, such as aluminum, brass,or steel. The bushing 365 may be formed of any suitable material, suchas polyurethane, plastic, rubber, nylon, or acetal. The materials of therod 361 and bushing 365 may be selected to stand the torque generated bythe head 314.

The bore 502 may have other suitable configurations, such as thosedepicted in FIGS. 11A-11D, where the rod 361 may have a cross sectionalconfiguration that matches the cross sectional configuration of the bore365. The matching configurations of the rod 361 and the bore 502 preventthe rod 361 from rotating relative to the bushing 365, to thereby forman anti-torquing or torque resistant mechanism.

The putter 300 preferably has an overall length of between about 27 and37 inches. The overall length of the putter 300 when fully extended isapproximately 37 inches. Meanwhile, the overall length of the putter ina compressed or compact position is preferably approximately 27 inches.Although, the preferable overall length of the putter 300 is between 27and 37 inches, it can be appreciated that the overall length of theputter can range from 10 to 72 inches and is more preferably between 20and 44 inches, and most preferably between 27 and 37 inches. The overalllength of the putter 300 varies by a differential length 336 ofpreferably about 10 inches. It can be appreciated that the overalllength of the putter 300 can vary and that any reference to specificmeasurements is for one embodiment of the present invention consistingof a putter 300 having an overall length of between 27 and 37 inches.However, it can be appreciated that the various dimensions, length,diameters and other specific references to any specific measurement canbe changed without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a cross sectional view of a putter 370 having an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft 371 according to anotherembodiment. The shaft 371 is similar to the shaft 320 in FIG. 19A, withthe difference that the shaft 371 has an additional holding mechanism369. FIG. 20B is an enlarged view of the additional holding mechanism369 of the golf shaft in FIG. 20A. As depicted, the additional holdingmechanism 369 includes a holding member 378 fixed to a rod 361 by asuitable fixing mechanism, such as glue and/or snap rings 375, 376. Whenthe snap rings 375, 376 are included in the additional holding mechanism369, two washers 372, 374 may be installed between the snap rings 375,376 and the holding member 378. FIG. 20C shows a front view of the snapring 375.

The holding member 378 may have a generally disk shape, for instance,and is dimensioned to snuggly fit into the inner surface of the uppershaft member 340. The frictional force between the holding member 378and the upper shaft member 340 prevents the rod 361 from moving relativeto the bushing 365 when the user plays the golf with the putter 370. Theholding member 378 may be formed of the same material as the bushing365.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective and front views of an additionalholding mechanism that might be used in the adjustable length and torqueresistant golf shafts 320 and 371 in FIGS. 19A and 20A, respectively. Asdepicted, one end of the rod 380 may include a plurality of flaremembers 382, where the flare members 382 may be bent to fit within theinner surface of the upper shaft member 340, as shown in FIG. 21C. FIG.21D is an enlarged view of the additional holding mechanism in FIG. 21Cmounted in the shaft in FIG. 19A. The frictional force between the flaremembers 382 and the inner surface of the upper shaft member 340 mayprevent the rod 380 from moving relative to the upper shaft member 340when the user plays the gold with the putter. It is noted that the rod380 has only two flare members 382. However, it should be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art that the rod may have other suitablenumber of flare members.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the tip portion of the rod 380 in FIG.21C mounted in the shaft in FIG. 20A. The function and the operationalmechanisms of the flare members 382 are similar to those of the flaremember 69 in FIG. 5. It is noted that, in FIG. 22, two different holdingmechanisms, the holding member 378 and the flare members 382, are usedto provide additional frictional force between the rod 380 and the uppershaft member 340 so that the lower shaft member is held in placerelative to the upper shaft member 340 when the user of putter plays thegolf with the putter.

FIG. 23A is a cross sectional view of a putter 400 having an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft 420 according to anotherembodiment. FIGS. 23B and 23C are cross sectional views of theadjustable length and torque resistant golf shaft 420 in FIG. 23A, takenalong the directions 23B and 23C, respectively. FIG. 23D is aperspective view of the bushing 465 in FIG. 23A. FIG. 23E is aperspective view of the inner rod 461 in FIG. 23A. As depicted, thecomponents of the putter 400 are similar to those of the putter 300,with the difference that the bushing 465 includes a spring-and-ballmember 470 and the rod 461 includes a plurality of grooves 472 and 473.Since a putter head 414 including a striking portion 416 and a shaft418, a lower shaft member 460, an upper shaft member 440, a grip 441,and the fixing member 463 are similar to their counterparts in FIG. 19A,the description of these components are not repeated for brevity.

The bushing 465 is fixed to the inner surface of the upper shaft member440 by a suitable fixing member (preferably, glue) 467. Thespring-and-ball member 470 includes a spring and a ball pushed againstthe rod 461 by the spring, as depicted in FIG. 23C. When the user of theputter 400 pulls or pushes the upper shaft member 440 relative to thelower shaft member 460, the ball of the spring-and-ball member 470 mayengage into one of the grooves 472, to thereby prevent the rod 461 fromsliding within the bushing 465 when the user of the putter 400 plays thegolf. Also, the cross section of the rod 461 is dimensioned to hold therod 461 in place relative to the bushing 465 by the frictional forcebetween the rod 461 and the bushing 465 when the user plays the golfwith the putter 400. The bushing 474 includes a hole 474 (FIG. 23D),where the spring-ball member 470 is located within the hole.

It is noted that each of the grooves formed on the surface of the rod472 may be a hemispherical groove 472 or a linear groove 473. Eachgroove is dimensioned to receive the ball of the spring-and-ball member470.

FIG. 24A is a cross sectional view of a putter 470 having an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.FIG. 24B is an enlarged view of the additional holding mechanism 469 ofthe putter 470 in FIG. 24A. As depicted, the putter 470 is similar tothe putter 400 in FIG. 23A, with the difference that the putter 470includes an additional holding mechanism 469. The additional holdingmechanism 469 is similar to the holding mechanism 369 in FIG. 22, i.e.,the holding member 478, snap rings 475, 476, and washers 472, 474 aresimilar to their counterparts of the holding mechanism 369. As such, thedescription of the holding mechanism 469 is not repeated for brevity.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of the tip portion of an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft according to another embodiment.As depicted, the tip portion in FIG. 25 is similar to that in FIG. 24B,with the difference that the rod 480 has a plurality of flare members482 to form an additional holding mechanism. Since the function andoperational mechanism of the flare members 482 are similar to those ofthe flare members 382 in FIG. 22, the description of the rod 480 andflare members 482 is not repeated.

FIG. 26A is a cross sectional view of a putter 600 having an adjustablelength and torque resistant golf shaft 620 according to anotherembodiment. FIG. 26B is a cross sectional views of the adjustable lengthand torque resistant golf shaft in FIG. 26A, taken along the direction26B. FIG. 26C is a perspective view of the bushing 665. As depicted, theputter 600 is similar to the putter 300 in FIG. 19A, with the differencethat a screw 670 is used to hold the rod 661 in place relative to abushing 665.

As discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 19A, the frictional forcebetween the rod 661 and the bushing 665 holds the rod 661 in placerelative to the bushing 665 when the user of the putter 600 plays thegold with the putter 600. Thus, the screw 670 provides an additionalmechanism for holding the rod 661 in place relative to a bushing 665when the user plays the golf with the putter 600. After the user adjuststhe total length of the putter 600 by pulling or pushing the upper shaftmember 640 relative to the lower shaft member 660, he may tighten thescrew 670 so that the rod 661 is fixed to the bushing 665. The bushing665 is fixed to the upper shaft member 640 by a suitable fixing member667 (such as glue). The screw 670 removably engages a tapped hole (or,female thread) 674 formed in the side of the bushing 665. The uppershaft member 640 also includes a hole to accommodate the screw 670.

It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferredembodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the article andmethods of manufacturing the same. It can be appreciated that variationsand modifications of the different embodiments in light of the aboveteachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as well as alternativeembodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.

1. An adjustable golf shaft, comprising: an upper shaft member having anelongated bore therein with a fixed bushing positioned within theelongated bore therein, the bushing having an elongated bore extendingtherethrough; a lower shaft member having a cylinder and a rod havingone end fixed to a proximal end of the cylinder; and a threaded screw,the bushing including a female thread to accommodate the threaded screw,wherein the rod has a sliding portion adapted to travel through theelongated bore of the bushing and hold the rod in place relative to thebushing by a frictional force between the sliding portion and thebushing and wherein an entire portion of the sliding portion has auniform cross section along a longitudinal direction of the rod.
 2. Anadjustable golf shaft as recited in claim 1, wherein a distance betweenthe bushing and a distal end of the cylinder changes as a length of theshaft increases or decreases.
 3. An adjustable golf shaft as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a putter head, wherein the putter head isattachable to a distal end of the cylinder.
 4. An adjustable golf shaftas recited in claim 1, wherein the elongated bore of the bushing isdimensioned to prevent the rod from rotating therewithin, to therebyform a torque resistant shaft.